The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-07-27

JN with n party of pros
j. N pectors, to the mount
4NN aims.
Many and varied were
their adventures, but we have to do with
but one. Fortunately for them, they fell
in with an honest man, who took great
liking to Harry and Charley. and who
willingly consented to their accompanying
his party.
They had been out for days, making
their way over almost impossible walls OF
rock, through canyons and gulches, III
search of one of the valleys or pockets
where surface gold was principally found
IN those days.
One day Andy Carter TIE leader, was
badly hurt by fall, and it was soon seen
that he must be left behind and some one
must stay to care for him.
Not sight of the precious metal had
been seen, and our boys were weary and
disheartened. They at once volunteered to
stay, he being the only one in the party that
had troubled 10 be kind to the lads.
They were journeying up broad canyon
when the accident happened. and the first
side ravine was explored for n suitable
place for camp. II was soon found,
tiny valley half mile away, with water
and small underbrush that would do for
fuel.
The whole party some TWENTY-FIVE, pro-
ceeded thither at once, carefully carrying
Ehe wounded man.
The "sugar BOWL the boys at once
dubbed it, and no other name would so well
describe Its shape. There was perhaps a
quarter Of an acre of land. inclosed by a
high wall of rock; no outlet save the mar
row ravine, through which they had entered.
A fine spring dubbed and boiled from
the rock upon one side, danced and sung
across the valley, then disappeared in an
opening in the wall of rock upon the other
Upon three sides the rock was smooth,
with scarce footing for bird, but upon
the fourth it sloped gradually upward, and
was covered with dense growth of stunted
vines.
Near the spring a tent was pitched for
Andy, and the party robbed themselves of
blankets to make him comfortable.
Then leaving a generous supply of
ammunition and provisions, the party went
on their way, and none of them were seen
again by our party for years.
ANDY looked blue when he saw the last
one disappear, and turned himself labori-
ously on his blanket bed.
"Well boys, we are in for it; I'm afraid
you will be sorry you stayed. There's
neither gold or glory to be gained here"
"Who knows" cried Charley, gaily strik-
ing MS SPADE lntO the edTlu, we De
standing upon mine now"
Ala6y laughed heartily. and hoped it was
80.
But, boys, the first thing to do is 10 de-
d. eide who is boss of this arsenal, and he
glanced smIlingly at their supplies Piled
, near
"You, Of course" cried the boys in con-
cert.
GAIL right" he replied. Then move
Chat you both search the wap all about for
q sheltered spot to store our goods. We
are too far from town to make it easy to
procure more, if these get damaged"
Cali right" came cheerily, and the search
began.
The round was almost made, with no
discovery, and feeling of disappointment
was beginning to be felt by the boys, when
q shout from Harry, who was slightly in
advance, proclaimed the desired find.
"Hurrahl here it is" And he drew aside
a curtain of vines and branches of the
pine, revealing deep cavity-not cave
by any means, but hollow deep enough
for the purpose.
IL was very near the tent, too, which
pleased Andy, as he said he could keep
guard while the boys were absent, giving
as his opinion that neither would be con-
tent to lie idle long.
Such thought had not occurred to the
BOYS, and they shook their heads, but
events proved the elder mans judgment to
be correct.
For few DAYS TO lie at full length upon
the green grass was luxury, but then
Harry began to view the bush grown slope
askant, and wonder what lay beyond.
From wondering to climbing, and then
began a series of exploring expeditions.
But TO the boys credit, be il said, they
never left the wounded man alone. His
hurt was in his right hip, and for some
DAYS he suffered terribly; then under the
bows faithful care, under lis instruction,
ne began tn gain rapidly. Then it was the
boys began TO look about.
After tedious climb many small ra-
vines and gullies were found, through some
OF which bright streams Of icy water sang
Tmeruly.
Harry was n boy of sound sense and good
Judgment while Charley was the reyt rse.
1mpulsive and hasty, he took no thought of
consequences.
so when he took his turn al prospecting,
Andy and Harry we're in a state OF sus-
pense, until his signal whistle sounded on
his return.
One night il came hours later than usual,
and both were half wild with anxiety. But
he was wilder than either, and exhibited a
handful or small nuggets of almost pure
gold
ANDY instantly shared his excitement, and
rnert day =, mt Harry along, but both returned
empty handed. Charley had found the
gold in tiny pool. but both searched the
rfvulet 10 its source, without finding another
particle.